A variable-temperature surrogate mother for studying attachment in infant monkeys

Abstract

A variable-temperature surrogate mother for use with infant monkeys is described. The apparatus is designed to facilitate manipulation of the infant-surrogate attachment bond. Data showing significant behavioral changes in ventral contact and locomotion as a function of depressed surrogate temperature are presented. The value of this technique in the production of psychopathology is indicated by a dramatic and progressive increase in disturbance behaviors during a 9-week test period. Implications for the use of a variable-temperature surrogate in studying animal models of psychopathology are noted.

Warm hands, warm hearts: An investigation of physical warmth as a prepared safety stimulus.

“…For instance, although Harlow was best known for his work highlighting the importance of “contact comfort” for social connection and attachment (Harlow, 1958; Harlow & Zimmermann, 1959), his later work demonstrated the importance of physical warmth. Thus, infant monkeys, separated since birth from their mothers, could easily become attached to a warm cloth mother but could not become attached to a cold cloth mother and instead would actively avoid it (Baysinger et al, 1973; Harlow & Suomi, 1970). Additionally, only the warm cloth mother was treated as a source of safety; infants exposed to threat stimuli in the presence of a warm cloth mother would run and cling to her, whereas infants exposed to threat stimuli in the presence of a cold cloth mother would run to and huddle in the corner of the cage away from the cloth mother (Harlow & Suomi, 1970).…”